What temperature should I solder at?

For leaded solder (60/40 Sn/Pb): 315-370°C. For lead-free solder (SAC305): 350-400°C. Start at the lower end and increase if solder is not flowing smoothly. Too hot oxidizes the tip and damages components. Too cool creates cold (dull, grainy) solder joints. A good station maintains temperature within +/- 5°C.

How do I maintain my soldering tip?

Tin the tip (apply fresh solder) before every pause and before turning off. Clean on a brass wire sponge rather than a wet sponge — wet sponges thermal-shock the tip and shorten its life. Never file or sand a tip. Replace tips when the plating wears through to the copper core underneath.

Best Soldering Stations 2026